Wednesday, August 28, 2024 9:44PMFBI officials, the LAPD and two district attorneys announced arrests in connection with an investigation into an alleged international burglary crew.Six people were arrested in connection with a crime tourism crew that ran a Los Angeles-based rental car company that catered to thieves who would then target businesses and individuals in Southern California and beyond, authorities announced Wednesday.
"This is not just a local problem. The crimes are affecting not just one city, one county, one region, one state, but the entire country," said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. "But, the effects of crime tourism are being felt very acutely here in Southern California." "In this way, the defendants acted, essentially, as quarterbacks for a massive teams of eager thieves," Estrada said.
Thola-Duran and Arriagada allegedly ordered criminals who stole credit cards to immediately go to stores such as Target, Best Buy and Home Depot to max out the stolen cards by purchasing electronics, gift cards, designer purses and other high-end luxury goods before the pilfered cards could be canceled, the indictment says.
Federal prosecutors allege the Santa Clarita man then sold the stolen goods to other buyers for about $5.5 million over the course of the conspiracy, including $5.1 million sent to various bank accounts controlled by accomplices.